More Information

Overview

The Building Environmental Systems Operator Class II (Accelerated Stream) program for
Internationally Trained Engineering Professionals provides specialized training and professional
networks to help you break into the Ontario job market and launch your professional career in
Building Operations & Maintenance industry in the shortest time possible.

The BES ™ Operator Class II Certificate is recognized by the Toronto Building Managers and
Operators Association (TBMOA) and will equip you with the skills & knowledge to operate and
maintain complex buildings of any size efficiently, economically, and sustainably.

The BES ™ Operator Class II Certificate will provide students with an understanding of the
interrelated complexities of building environmental systems such as heating, ventilation, air
conditioning, lighting and electrical power supply. Students will also learn about the required
codes and by-laws that regulate commercial, office, institutional and residential buildings in
Canada - all of which require a trained professional to operate.

Benefit from access to:

Expert Employment Consultants

Opportunities for Professional Accreditation

Top Industry Instructors

Training Subsidies and Financial Aid Options

Intensive Career Search Training

Opportunities to Secure Paid Employment

Access to Seneca's Employer Network

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED ON AN ONGOING BASIS & SPACES ARE LIMITED. APPLY TODAY!

Please contact us at
bridging@senecacollege.ca or (416) 491-5050 ext.
77337 to be registered for an upcoming
Information Session.

Information Session

New students are invited to attend an information session.

Individuals interested in learning more about the Seneca's
Bridge Training Program are encouraged to attend an upcoming
information session to learn more about the programs, the benefits of participation, and how to
apply. You can register online, by phone 416-491-5050 ext. 77337 or email us at
bridging@senecacollege.ca

Career Opportunities

At Seneca, we take your success seriously and have designed every component of the BES ™ Program
to lead you to professional employment. The BES ™ Program will provide you with the skills and
qualifications to manage complex buildings of any size, including hospitals, schools, shopping
malls, or industrial complexes.

Dedicated, experienced, expert staff including Employment Consultants and Job Developers will
work with you individually to guide you on your search to secure paid employment in the rapidly
growing field of Building Environmental Systems / Facilities Operations & Maintenance. Leverage
Seneca's extensive industry network to connect with employers and maximize these career
opportunities through personalized coaching.

Entry Requirements

In order to apply to the BES ™ Certificate Program you must demonstrate the following:

Relevant Degree or Diploma from an accredited Institution outside of Canada

Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Assessment Level 7

Presently unemployed or underemployed

Permanent Resident, Protected Person as defined in Section 95 of the IRPA, or Internationally
Educated Canadian Citizen and a Resident of Ontario

How to Determine if You are the Right Fit for the BES ™ Program:

You are mechanically and technically inclined

You have a background in engineering (particularly mechanical, electrical, or civil),
construction, facilities management, the trades, or a related field

You enjoy problem solving and troubleshooting complex issues

You like fixing things and understanding how things work

You have an interest in sustainability and energy efficiency

You enjoy interacting with others, particularly clients and customers

International students, temporary foreign workers, and individuals lacking post-secondary
credentials are not eligible for this program.

Application Process

Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis & spaces are limited. Apply Today!

To apply for Seneca's Bridge Training Programs, you will be required to complete and email the
following documents to
bridging@senecacollege.ca:

Application Form:
Please answer every question on the
Application Form
in full and to the best of your ability. For legibility, please type rather than handwrite your
responses.

Letter of Interest:
Your letter of interest should be 1 page single spaced (maximum) and address the following
questions:

Why are your interested in the BES ™ Program?

What do you hope to gain from your participation in the BES ™ Program?

Why do you think you are a good candidate for the BES ™ Program?

Resume:
Your resume must be detailed and updated (2 full pages is ideal, 3 pages maximum in 11 or 12
point font). It must be in a chronological format, beginning with your current or most recent
employment. Please be sure to include the following:

All employment that you have held, whether in your field or not, with clear bullet point
explanations of your responsibilities and accomplishments

All academic qualifications (exact names of degrees, certificates, diplomas, etc), including
any education completed in Canada, with dates

Professional memberships, licenses, designations, certifications, etc

Any professional training or skills upgrading that you have completed in or outside of Canada
including names of institutions and dates attended.

CLB Assessment:
You will need to provide proof of completion of a Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment at
a minimum Level 7. CLB Assessments should be obtained within the last 12 months from the date of
application to be valid. CLB Assessments accepted by the BES Program include the following:

CLBA

CLBPT

ELTPA

WLA

CLB Assessments are free for Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees and Canadian Citizens. For
more information and to book an appointment, please contact the YMCA at 416-928-9622 or visit the
Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks for a list of Assessment Centres in
Ontario.

Immigration Status:
You will be required to submit a copy of one of the following: Citizenship Card, Canadian
Passport, Permanent Resident Card, or Proof of Refugee Status.

Copies of Academic Qualifications:
Please provide a photocopy of all of your academic credentials in your submission, including
any diploma(s), degree(s) and/or certificate(s).

Credential Assessment:
If you are accepted into the program, you will be asked to provide the results of a
credential assessment from an approved agency. If you have these available at time of submission,
please include a copy of these results in your application. For more information on approved
credential assessment services, please visit
Canadian
Information Centre for International Credentials.

Please be advised that there is considerable demand for this program and due to the limited
number of seats, selection of students follows a competitive process and shortlisted candidates
will be invited meet with program staff to assess if they are a right fit for the program.

Curriculum

The BES ™ Certificate Program meets the highest standards of the Facilities and Building
Management sector. Partners in the development of this Certificate Program include Natural
Resources Canada, Office of Energy Efficiency, The Interprovincial Facility Training Accreditation
Council (IFTAC) and the International Energy Efficiency Training Network (IEET).

Course Name

Building Systems

Heating

Air Conditioning

Air Handling

Electrical

Controls

Water Treatment

Building Environmental Systems Practical Skills.

Advanced Career Management

Communication Skills for Building Operator Professionals

Course Descriptions

Building Systems: Practical Overview

This course provides an introduction to, and an overview of building systems, enabling students
to relate to the operation of a building in a safe, energy efficient and environmentally conscious
manner.

Heating

The Heating course of the Building Environmental Systems program is designed to prepare
students to operate heating systems in buildings in a safe, energy efficient, and environmentally
conscious manner.

Air Conditioning

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration course is designed to prepare students to operate
air-conditioning and refrigeration systems in buildings in a safe, energy efficient, economical and
environmentally conscious manner.

Air Handling

The Air Handling course (incorporating waste management) is designed to prepare students to
operate air handling systems in a safe, energy efficient, and environmentally conscious manner as
well as to manage waste in a safe, efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly
manner.

Electrical

This course covers the design, operation and maintenance of electrical systems in buildings.
Topics include the application of Ohm's Law, the components of electrical distribution systems in
buildings, their operation and their maintenance. Students also learn how to calculate utility
charges and to reduce electrical loads. Safety and energy efficiency are emphasized in this
subject.

Controls

This course covers the key concepts of commercial building pneumatic HVAC controls.

Water Treatment

This course covers the key concepts of the field of water treatment as applied to the
protection and operation of building systems to provide the best use of energy for conservation and
safety practices.

Building Environmental Systems Practical Skills

This course provides hands-on exposure to equipment and systems used in the field of Building
Operations. Students will be prepared to use diagnostic and troubleshooting skills in the work
environment. Tours of Seneca College building systems and facilities will be included so that
participants better understand the breadth of the field of Building Environmental Systems.

Advanced Career Management

This course is designed to introduce self-marketing techniques to international professionals
seeking employment. Students will prepare a career development campaign including sample resumes
and over letter and will also engage in practice interviews and follow-up techniques. The focus is
industry-specific to their fields with emphasis on integrating Canadian industry knowledge with
international experience and skills.

Communication Skills for Building Operator Professionals

This course is designed for internationally trained professionals who wish to improve their
oral and written communication skills in the Canadian workplace as Building Operators.
Students learn how to manipulate language and functional skills to communicate effectively.
Students practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a variety of common formal and
informal workplace situations. Emphasis is placed on language development, Canadian workplace
etiquette, and cultural influences in professional communication.

Program Outcomes

BES ™ Operator Class II

Upon successful completion of this program, students are able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of all the systems and system components which make up the
operation of a building

Discuss the design, components, purpose and operation of each of the following building
systems: heating, air conditioning, air handling, electrical, HVAC controls, water treatment and
one of: pipe systems, air systems, hospital building systems

Operate each system studied in a safe, comfortable, energy efficient and environmentally
conscious manner

Manage waste

Work safely and protect the safety of building occupants

Perform calculations to achieve a desired outcome for a specific building system

Use a physchrometric chart

Identify factors which contribute to building safety, comfort and energy efficiency

Interpret and analyze charts and graphs commonly used in building operations

Troubleshoot and maintain building systems studied

Analyze large building operations from an energy efficiency perspective and create proposals to
achieve more efficient utility consumption

Tuition and Financial Aid

The cost for the BES ™ Certificate program is approximately $1,839.00 for the core courses plus
the cost of materials and a $500 program fee.

You may be eligible to have the cost of the core courses and materials covered through a range
of bursaries and supports available including the Ontario Bridging Participant Assistance Program
(OBPAP). Please visit the
OBPAP website
for more information.

Additionally, the following microloan programs are available to internationally trained
professionals pursuing training, education, or certification for re-entry into their professional
field:

Certification

Upon successful completion of the BES ™ Operator Class II Program and with the addition of 2
courses, students may upgrade their designation to BES ™ Operator Class I, the most highly
recognized Building Operator Certification available, as well as professional designation as a
System Maintenance Technician (SMT
®) with the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI)and registration on the Energy
Training Ontario Registry and the Inter-Provincial Facility Training Accreditation Council
(IFTAC).